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Archive for December 22nd, 2009
Lithium-ion: Only a bridge technology
Author: admin
A couple of Chevy Volt lithium-ion battery packsSo, can lithium-ion batteries make plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles as common as your conventional gas-powered vehicle anytime soon?
Probably not. In fact, lithium-ion batteries are just a bridge technology to real EV penetration according to Argonne Laboratories, a source of much lithium-ion research. To make plug-in vehicles cost-effective enough for the masses, Argonne is focusing on next generation lithium-air batteries.
Still, lithium-air batteries are yet dependent upon numerous technological breakthroughs before becoming a possible reality. Even then, according to Argonne Director Eric Isaacs, it will be ten or twenty years before this technology can be commercially adopted.
Drill, drill, drill: The path to a stronger America
Author: admin
Let’s drill our way to greatness!In the 1970’s the US imported 24 percent of its oil. Today those imports have increased to 65 percent.
So, let’s drill, drill, drill. Certainly, we can find enough oil here in the US to replace our current consumption, right?
OK. Maybe that’s not realistic, but we can find enough oil to reduce pressure at the margins and bring down prices, right?
Maybe. In fact, let’s say that’s true. But, would that really help America?
About a year ago, Congress ‘invested’ more than $80 billion in the US auto industry. Why? Because it’s a key segment in the US economy, right? Yet, if cheap oil is so good for America, why has the US auto industry been on the decline for decades?
Likewise, why hasn’t cheap oil led to greater innovation and manufacturing success in the US if energy was so cheap?
Of course, that isn’t totally fair. US foreign oil consumption has led to many amazing innovations in the military sector. Of course, have all the costs been worth this great military strength? Has America really become safer?
Perhaps more drilling could lead to some temporary, marginal improvement in pump prices. Inevitably, however, more drilling – and cheaper gas – would assuredly lead to the same technological complacency and national security risks that cheap oil has nurtured for the last few decades.
If America is to be anything more than a military state in the next couple of decades, isn’t our potential greatness inextricably linked to ending our petroleum addiction?
Audi A1: Not coming to the US?
Author: adminAudi: Bluetooth compatible mobile phone list
Author: adminAudi Australia: The rocket man is going home
Author: adminVW Golf GTI: Road test video
Author: adminPorsche 911 GT3: 8 minutes of sound p*rn
Author: admin2010 Mercedes E-Class Sedan Styling Kit by ATT
Author: admin
The 2010 Mercedes E-Class W212 Sedan has just got better looks thanks to a new styling kit by German tuners Autotechnik + Tuning (ATT) that promises to bring the “pleasant original deluxe-sportster” looks that would take your eyes away with its aerodynamic changes. Speaking of changes it brings new spoilers at the front and back, front grill (that we don’t buy in, with the empty circle), and side skirts, with exhaust pipes hidden under the rear spoiler, for €6,452. On top of that, for another €3,869 you’re getting new 9×20″ or 10.5×20″ alloy wheels (that we don’t buy in) and Hankook S1 EVO high performance tires. A bit too much, don’t you think …
Aston Martin DBS Carbon Black Special Edition Revealed
Author: admin
In March 2010, Aston Martin is set to release two new models for their Aston Martin DBS — the new Carbon Black and the V12 Vantage Carbon Black Special Edition. They’re hand painted in a special Carbon Black metallic, feature an Obsidian Black leather and silver stitching interior, carbon fiber and Kevlar seats for a lighter build and a piano black trim. As for the V12 version they add a carbon fiber side strake, black mesh, elegant 10-spoke alloy wheels in gloss black and a 700-watt audio system. Price, you ask? About 5-percent more on the Aston Martin DBS and the special edition models are yours.
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